AUGUSTA – The Maine Legislature wants federal trade sanctions against Cuba to be lifted.

A joint resolution that was approved Thursday by the House and Senate asks Congress to lift a trade embargo that was imposed four decades ago and to normalize trade relations with the neighboring island nation.

The nonbinding resolution is sponsored by Republican Sen. Richard Kneeland of Easton and cosponsored by Democratic House Speaker Michael Saxl of Portland and others.

The resolution says that what once was a tense and hostile relationship between the United States and Cuba has changed significantly. It says Cuba could become a $1 billion market for U.S. agricultural producers within five years.

A copy of the resolution also will be sent to President Bush.